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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has secured funding from the Department for Infrastructure to carry out feasibility work on three new Greenways across the district with the Newry to Poyntzpass towpath, one of the projects under investigation.
Already a greenway in everything but name the Newry, Mourne and Down Active Travel Masterplan 2021 gave potential indications of the type of work that may be done to enhance the towpath route with access improvements and lighting two possibilities.
In the Masterplan the 'Newry to Portadown' route is mentioned as an existing greenway but it notes "The facility functions very well in its current form and is a good prototype for future greenways in the district. Despite being very popular, there are still some improvements that could be delivered."
It lists five recommendations for improvement:
- Remove Access barriers on Newry to Portadown Greenway - (This has more or less been completed already)
- Carry out a business case assessment/ feasibility study looking into providing lighting along the greenway.
- Carry out a feasibility study at improving access to the greenway through additional ramps or short walking and cycling connections
- Investigate path widening at critical points.
- Investigate enhancements along the greenway: Such as seating and benches, play features, ecological enhancements, public art, interpretation and information boards, drinking fountains and public toilets, and cycle repair stations and pumps.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the funding on 6 January and Council have said they will now progress the procurement of a specialist consultant team to undertake the surveys and technical investigations required to deliver the feasibility studies.
The funding will support feasibility studies and design work on three priority Greenway routes identified within the Newry, Mourne and Down Active Travel Masterplan 2021
As well as the Newry Canal Towpath route two key branches of the Newcastle to Comber via Downpatrick Greenway, the Downpatrick to Ardglass route and the Ballynahinch Spur between Saintfield and Ballynahinch are included.
A Council spokesperson said that all three routes were identified through extensive public consultation and stakeholder engagement and score highly within DfI's Strategic NI Greenways Ranking Index.
Responding to the announcement, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, "I welcome this funding announcement by Minister Kimmins, which will help develop our local Greenways. Greenways are strategic routes designed to provide safe, off-road walking and cycling opportunities. They form a key part of future active travel networks, linking towns and villages, places of work and retail areas, as well as community and leisure facilities. Greenways also offer excellent tourism opportunities for visitors who wish to explore our district while enjoying its outstanding landscapes and diverse environments."
The three Greenway routes will provide safe, off-road walking and cycling opportunities, linking towns and villages, places of work and retail areas, as well as community and leisure facilities while offering tourism opportunities for visitors to explore the district.
Newry City Councillor, Cllr Cathal King said the investment builds on the success of the Newry to Omeath Greenway, which has become a valued local asset for people in Newry, supporting daily walking and cycling, improving connectivity, and strengthening links with neighbouring communities across the border.
